January 2009 Notable Toys — Animal Figures

Harnessing high-tech magic, when kids drop the strange “egg” into a container of water, all manner of foaming bubbles and fizz whoosh through the void. When it’s finished, a small creature of unknown origin and form lies at the bottom. It should be picked up and placed into another jar of water. Slowly, fantastically, it begins to grow, and within three days, it’s three times bigger. "These 'Freaks of Nature' aren't just any typical animal. They are wacky cross-breeds. Including a Horsefly (a fly with the head of a horse), a Bullfrog (a frog with the head of a bull), a Catfish (you guessed it, a fish with the head of a cat) and more," Aaron Ackert, sales manager for Geospace International, told TDmonthly. Launch date: April 2009. THIS PRODUCT WAS NEVER BROUGHT TO MARKET AND IS NOT AVAILABLE.

Every little girl wants a pony!  Now she can choose from three ponies that teach lessons that last a lifetime!  Praise Ponies are named for positive traits from the Bible and the packaging feature a message from each pony as well as memory verses.  Individually packaged with 10 fun accessories.  Available in Faith, Hope, and Love.

2 assorted wild animal playsets. One set includes a 5.5" elephant, 3.5" zebra, & 3" chimpanzee. The other assortment includes a 5" rhino, 3.5" gorilla, & 4.5" alligator. Solid pieces. Museum quality detail. 8"x4.75" open window gift box.

7"-8" assorted farm animals includes horse, cow, and pig. Press the button for realistic animal sounds. Batteries and instructional hang-tag included.

This sleepover kit comes with friends Flora (baby panda) and Berry (baby squirrel), a bathtub and accessories, a high chair and utensils for snack time, and more.

This black-and-white Pinto is a horse at Pine Hollow Stables in "Horse Sense," a book in the Saddle Club series written by Bonnie Bryant.
— "Shipping has been really good" with Breyer, noted Mike DiAndrea, manager of Hardware Center in Paoli, Pa., in fall 2008. Two of 52 retailers told TDmonthly Breyer is one of their favorite vendors.

"A Pirate's Quest" is the story of a one-legged pirate who loses his family heirloom peg leg. The pirate's journey begins by a tiny lake where his peg leg had drifted away during the night. He vows to find his leg by following the moving water from the lakes to the rivers to the ocean. And he never gives up. The story is beautifully illustrated with paintings by award-winning wildlife artist and host of the PBS television show "Your Brush with Nature," Heiner Hertling. Launch date: September 2008.

This feathery duck has cheeks that are colored by hand and a flexible wire frame for poseability. Its facial expression may be slightly different than what is pictured. Launch date: Spring 2009.

Polliwalks' fun and colorful fish-shaped sandals feature squishy fishy lips that change from white to purple when exposed to UV rays. They are also waterproof, lightweight, super comfy, incredibly easy to clean, and easy for little ones to put on and take off by themselves. Polliwalks' Fish Lips Sandals have built in arch support, a deep heel cup and a removable back strap for a great fit. As with all Polliwalks' shoes, they leave a trail of fun footprints behind when kids step in firm sand, dirt or water. "Polliwalks has created a whole new category for children's shoes: Toys for Feet!" Cheryl Andonian, co-founder of Polliwalks, told TDmonthly. Launch date: December 2008.

America’s No. 1 horse breed is one of 33 new animals available. It is extremely realistic and hand painted for a natural finish. "Schleich is the world’s leading designer of high-quality, realistic animal and historical figurines and fantasy play worlds for children and collectors of all ages," Martin Gour, marketing director for Schleich North America, Inc., told TDmonthly. Launch date: January 2009.
— Schleich animals were listed as top sellers in spring 2009 at At Once All Agog in Limerick, Maine, by Storeowner Candace Gooch. “This June, my store will take part in a merchandising program with Schleich,” she told TDmonthly. “I will be putting in two, 4’ backlit Schleich displays for farm and wild animals.”

These colorful, animal-shaped shoulder bags come in three puppy designs and five pony styles. Each zips closed and also has an outside pocket. Launch date: March 2009.

This indoor/outdoor pony makes a galloping sound when its left ear is pressed and moves its legs and swings its tail as the rider bounces up and down. It includes brakes, has a 4' steering radius and requires three AA batteries (included). Weight limit is 160 lbs.

When these lifelike, miniature plastic animals and dinosaurs embedded with barcodes are swiped with a scanner,  a pre-recorded voice offers acts about the creatures. Animal figures are available separately for $4.99 to $12.99 each.

This fierce T-Rex add light to a dark room with the included 4-watt bulb. It's on a swivel plug and measures 5" W x 6" H x 1.25" D. Launch date: November 2008.

This poseable kitten is available in two varieties and features a head, legs and tail that move.

Made of stretchy material, this 2" block of cheese is home to two mice that can be moved around to the different holes.

Eclipse Doggy loves to eat. He's one of six Angels from the Attic, 10" plush friends designed to promote creativity and encourage children of all ages to build friendships. They are sewn with love so no two are exactly alike, making them instantly cozy and lovable. "[A] portion of proceeds are donated to local and national children['s] charities, making this a win-win for customer, retailer and children," Creative Director Mark Marderosian of Big City Publishing told TDmonthly. Launch date: July 30, 2008.

Twinkle Mouse is part of the Angels from the Attic line of 10" plush friends designed to promote creativity and friendship. Each Angel is made from soft fabric and sewn so that no two are exactly alike. Launch date: July 30, 2008.

This soft teddy bear is designed to keep children happy and cozy. Each Angel from the Attic is a 10" plush. "The bonus 12-page hard cover book that each Angel is packaged with helps spread the message of friendship," Mark Marderosian, creative director of Big City Publishing, told TDmonthly. Launch date: July 30, 2008.

Angels from the Attic are 10" plush friends designed to promote creativity and friendships. Each Angel is made from soft fabric and sewn so that no two are exactly alike. The line consists of six characters who all live in a magical attic. "There are no batteries [or] fancy remotes, just simple soft fabric [that is] cozy to the touch. The appealing and elegant gift box that each Angel comes in makes the gift look more expensive than it really is," Mark Marderosian, creative director at Big City Publishing, told TDmonthly. Launch date: July 30, 2008.

Clay-Mates are a great value gift and make perfect stocking stuffers. These handmade miniatures are crafted in Thailand of porcelain clay. The 20-piece Starter Set is a perfect way to start a new collector. "Clay-Mates consist of a variety of whimsical, real and imaginary animals, birds and sea life. Each tiny character is meticulously detailed with delightful and charming features. Although very similar, no two are ever identical," Lisa Ramus, president of Clay-Mates USA, told "iPlay Jungle Animal Pinball resembles the age-old classic eat-up pinball games, but includes a new twist. Instead of gathering pinballs, players are required to keep the pinballs out!" Nicole Tiedemann, PR account executive for International Playthings, Inc., told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 2008.. Launch date: 2008.